Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread MBE delivered a powerful and personal message in Northamptonshire as she helped launch a new fund to support care-experienced young people across the county.

The Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund, established by Northamptonshire Community Foundation, will provide grants to projects supporting young people aged 18–25 as they transition from care into independent adulthood. The programme will invest £150,000 over three years, with match funding helping to increase its impact.

Speaking at the launch event at the University of Northampton, Fatima shared reflections on her own childhood experiences in care and the importance of building confidence, resilience and opportunity for young people facing similar challenges today.

She was joined by Gina Gardiner, Vice Chair of Fatima’s UK Campaign, who spoke about empowering young people to recognise their strengths and develop the life skills needed to thrive.

Together, they took part in a discussion and Q&A with local leaders, charities and community organisations focused on strengthening outcomes for care leavers in Northamptonshire.

The new fund forms part of a national Care Leavers Programme backed by the Henry Smith Foundation, delivered in partnership with UK Community Foundations and the Local Authorities Mutual Investment Trust.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has secured funding for the county, with local match funding set to increase the programme’s overall impact.

The fund will support practical and emotional needs, including education and training, employment support, essential home equipment, mentoring, wellbeing services and life skills development.

Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “This event marks an important step forward for our Foundation, building on the work we already do through our grants and bursary awards to support charities and community groups working with care-experienced young people in Northamptonshire.

The stories shared reminded us that potential is everywhere – but opportunity is not. This fund is about ensuring young people leaving care have access to the practical support and encouragement they need to build independent, fulfilling futures.”

Fatima Whitbread MBE, said: “Children are our future – every child deserves to feel safe, seen and loved. How we treat the most vulnerable determines the quality of our society.”

Gina Gardiner added: “One of the most powerful gifts you can give to anyone is to believe in someone and to provide the support they need to thrive. The Pathways To Independence – Care Leavers Fund will provide the opportunity for so many young people leaving care to be positively supported so that they can thrive and fulfil their potential.”

The event brought together senior leaders, local authorities, charities and community organisations committed to strengthening collaboration and long-term support for care leavers across the county.

The launch also forms part of Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s 25th anniversary year, marking a quarter of a century of inspiring local giving for local needs. Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded more than £24 million in grants across Northamptonshire.

Find out more about Northamptonshire Community Foundation here.

Photo: Guest speakers Gina Gardiner and Fatima Whitbread MBE with panel discussion members Amarjit Pawar from Right Resolution CIC and Dimz Malatji from Springs Family Centre.